Mackin was secretly cremated in Belfast last October in front of a handful of mourners after one undertaker from his home city of Newry finally agreed to handle his remains.

Garda Tony Golden

Garda Tony Golden was shot by the 25-year-old last year in Omeath, Co Louth, as he escorted Mackin's partner to her home. She had made a complaint of domestic abuse against Mackin. The killer then turned his gun on himself.

The 'body-snatcher' controversy erupted following a report and photographs in the Sunday World, in which it was claimed the remains were exhumed under cover of darkness and taken away.

Mackin, who had been disowned by family members, was cremated in Roselawn crematorium last year and his ashes remained unclaimed for months.

But it is believed they were buried in a casket at a family plot in Drumgath, reportedly without the family's permission.

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Despite Mackin's violent past, the exhumation has caused dismay. A source told the Sunday World: "It may shock people but we could not stomach the idea that his remains had been secretly interred in the family plot without their knowledge or permission. People will no doubt think it was a desecration to open the grave and take him out but it was a bigger desecration to leave him there.

"It was agreed to dig up the remains of a killer and dispose of the ashes in a place less worthy."

The whereabouts of Mackin's remains are unknown. It is also unclear if the removal of the remains is a matter for the police. The PSNI was unavailable for comment last night.

Yesterday, Fr Tom McAteer said he could not comment on the shock news which has stunned parishioners at St Patrick's Church at Drumgath near Newry. When asked by the Belfast Telegraph yesterday if he could confirm the incident, he said: "I know nothing about it."

He added: "I am sorry, I cannot help you."

When asked if he would appeal for the remains to be brought back, he responded: "I know nothing at all about it so I wouldn't comment."

He said he was unaware if the church authorities are making any comment on it.